Google enhances Gmail and Calendar for Android and iPhone

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Google has announced an enhanced version of Gmail and the Google Calendar when the sites are accessed from the browser of an iPhone or Android powered mobile device. Improvements to Gmail access include a “Floaty Bar” which includes common actions such as archive and delete. The floaty bar also prevents users from having to scroll all the way up or down to reach common buttons such as archive. Gmail will also now be available offline through the web application allowing the last read emails to be displayed while allowing users to compose emails as well.

Google Calendar has also received similar enhancements for iPhone and Android users. Like Gmail, the web application is also available when a user is offline. Your last viewed events will be displayed and you will even be able to update them with your event status, edit details or add or delete guests.

For some critics who may have preferred a separate mobile application for the iPhone or Android Google attempted to make the case for their shift toward web applications. The company stated that unlike traditional applications web apps can be quickly updated allowing users to access new features without having to download anything. Google also stated that unlike stand alone applications there is about 90% code share between Android and the iPhone using web applications allowing for improved engineering efficiency.

I can really see Google’s point when it comes to preferring web applications to maximize the efficiency of enhancements when it comes to providing services to mobile devices. Also, I can understand the challenges of having to build applications for specific mobile devices. The question is whether or not users will prefer web applications to stand alone applications.

When it comes to the iPhone Google has some breathing room. People who primarily use Gmail on their iPhone probably already use the built-in email feature for the device to access their Gmail. Still, it will be nice to be able to access specific Gmail features through the web application.

{ad}As far as Google Calendar I can honestly say that I haven’t used it that much. It’s a nice service to use if you want to share your calendar with someone. Perhaps it will get more use now since it’s easier to access from a mobile device.